Rain Gutter/Sail Panel sealant

[FLhotrod]

I'm doing a little maintenance while the weather is cooler in Florida, in preparation for Carlisle this summer.

I took sail panel off to arrest some rust, only to discover that the factory did not seal several extra holes where the roof, quarter panel and inner structure come together, and was allowing water to get between panels and allow rust jacking between the panels. Taking care of the rust and going to do a 20ft paint job. The question I have is what's the best way to seal those extra holes?

I also took the rain gutter off and it has some type of sealant inside. I did a quick search and could not find any information on the type of sealant. Does any have a suggestion on the type of sealant to use?

[SVOeric]

I'd be very surprised if the factory didn't seal them, likely someone in there since factory, didn't put it back.
Butyl is what was used from the factory -- for both, sealing the drip rail, and the sail panels & holes. The factory actually put a dab of butyl over each stud hole, before the stud was put in, as well as a couple lines of butyl for the sail panel to stuck to against the body.

It's been a day or 3 since I've had a sail panel off, but I don't recall any extra holes. -- Are you sure your sail panel isn't missing a stud? they have been known to break off when removing.

Butyl is black gooey stuff that never hardens. it's available in tape, and in a tube. it's the same stuff used to install glass in a lot of older cars.

[MIKESVO]

You can use the sealant in strips. 3M makes it. I use it for sealing the tail lights and rear spoilers.

[svono50]

I am with Eric and Mike, tape across the particular hole/seam to seal it. I got some 3M sealant tape from one of my industrial suppliers, but never got what specific product it was. I cut a square piece of it off the roll, applied to the body, pierced a hole in it with an awl to allow the sail panel stud to go through and tightened it down. I left the tape solid over the 1-2 holes that are not used with our sail panels and haven't seen any leaks since then. Did the same 3M tape with my tail light studs when I refurbished the reflective surface in the housings. I purchased new butyl rope and clips for reattaching the lenses to the housings.

[FLhotrod]

I kinda thought "someones be here before", because the whole in question was missing the butyl and tape on the outside, but had seam sealer on the inside. This was the driver side, while the passenger side had the butyl and tape on both holes with no seam sealer on the inside. I am wondering if this car was built on a Monday or Friday. If you have read the box "Wheels" by Alex Haley you will know what I mean.

All the post of the sail panel are intact and present but one does have a small crack on a post. Time to reinforce.

As I was cleaning the rain gutters I noticed that the pinch weld on the A pillar on the passenger side from about the top of the mirror housing on down was tweaked out. That would explain why it was so hard to remove compared to the drivers side.